Community Economic Development (CED) is a vital process for any community, regardless of size or location. In the current globalized and digital era, it is essential to understand the factors that influence CED. When implemented correctly, CED has the potential to help communities stay competitive and adapt to a complex and ever-changing environment. The Mississippi State Advanced Vehicle Systems Center Extension Center in Canton works with the Mississippi Development Authority and local economic developers to provide services such as professional development, site master planning, simulation and decision modeling, and logistical support to help the industry. The next publication on community economic development will discuss general approaches to community development.
Community development is about people coming together to change a particular situation in their communities. The University of Mississippi recently organized the Spark Series, a collaborative initiative of the University of Mississippi School of Law, Insight Park, the Meek School of Journalism and New Media, the Mississippi Institute for Legal Research, the McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Mid-South Intellectual Property Institute and the Oxford Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation. To successfully attract businesses and industries to Mississippi, economic developers, community leaders, and elected officials at both state and local levels must work together. The Mississippi Development Authority often requests Mississippi State University to host companies that are considering setting up in the state. However, with committed leaders and a clear vision of where the community wants and needs to be, CED can move communities forward in a comprehensive way.
These community functions range from economy (providing goods and services) to socialization (the process by which the community transmits its knowledge, values, and behavioral patterns to its residents) to social control (the process by which a group influences the behavior of its members to conform to its norms), social participation (provides a place through which residents can participate in their communities) and mutual support (providing help and support in times of need) (Warren, 198). The difference between community development and economic development boils down to one approach (community development) that focuses on broader community issues that include but go beyond jobs and businesses, while the other approach (economic development) focuses mainly on jobs and businesses. Mississippi has seen significant progress in terms of economic development due to its commitment to empowering its communities. Through initiatives such as the Spark Series, local leaders have been able to create an environment that encourages businesses to invest in the state. This has resulted in an increase in job opportunities for residents as well as an influx of capital into local economies.
Furthermore, by focusing on broader community issues such as socialization, social control, social participation, and mutual support, Mississippi has been able to create a more sustainable economy that is better equipped to handle changes in the global market. In conclusion, Mississippi's commitment to empowering its communities has had a positive impact on economic development in the state. By providing resources such as professional development opportunities and logistical support for businesses looking to invest in Mississippi, local leaders have been able to create an environment that encourages economic growth. Furthermore, by focusing on broader community issues such as socialization, social control, social participation, and mutual support, Mississippi has been able to create a more sustainable economy that is better equipped to handle changes in the global market.
Leave Message